My UAE: Hamda Al Hameli’s beauty spot

Meet the 31-year-old who became the first Emirati franchisee of the beauty-salon brand Bedashing.

Hamda Al Hameli at her beauty salon, Bedashing, in New Al Falah, Abu Dhabi. Irene Garcia Leon / The National

Hamda Al Hameli always wanted to start her own business, and after spending considerable time deciding which path to pursue, the 31-year-old became the first Emirati franchisee of the beauty-salon brand Bedashing.

“You create your own opportunities,” she says. “I always wanted to start a business, and this opportunity came up, so I decided to take it.”

Al Hameli, a wife and mother who works full-time for the Abu Dhabi Government as a debt collector, opened her salon in Al ­Falah in January this year.

Apart from getting the go-ahead from the three sisters who founded Bedashing – Noor Tamimi, the chief executive; Bodour Tamimi, the chief financial officer; and Dana Tamimi, the chief marketing officer – Al Hameli was provided funding assistance from the Khalifa Fund, and given training on how to run her business.

The entrepreneur says her leap into the world of beauty was one of the biggest decisions of her life, and she couldn’t have achieved her goals, nor survived the ups and the downs involved with setting up a business, without the support of her husband and ­family.

“My father has always told [my brother and sisters] that we can do anything. It is so nice to have that support and understanding. My mum is my best buddy, my inspiration, and I am where I am today because of her.”

Besides having a full beauty menu, Al Hameli’s new salon offers massage therapy and hairdressing services.

“A lot of Emiratis live in this area, and it’s developing, so it was the ideal choice of location for me – it’s just a matter of letting people know we’re here,” she says.

When she’s not working or promoting her new business, Al Hameli enjoys spending time with her family, and she loves to travel.

“I love Spain. We went last year and it was amazing. I want to go back,” she says.

What five things do you never leave home without?

My car keys, cell phone, my Coco Chanel perfume, my diary and a chequebook.

What do you do to relax?

Talking to my mum is something that gives me great pleasure. She is my best medicine. While talking to her, I feel so relaxed – all my stress and worries fly away, and I feel very positive and focused.

What's your favourite food or restaurant?

I am fond of Italian food, and very much addicted to dessert. I don’t have any favourite restaurant – what I look for is good food and the best company.

What's your favourite holiday destination?

I love the beach. It brings loads of positive energy to me. I feel like I want to fly and achieve a lot more.

What's your favourite tourist attraction in the UAE?

Sir Bani Yas Island. I have been there many times, and keep recommending it to all my family and friends. It’s a small paradise. I don’t think anything could better describe the place.

What's the best piece of advice you have ever received?

Be prepared, one day, you will find yourself enjoying your own view from the top – it was from my ex-boss.

What music do you currently have on repeat?

My all-time favourite singer is Enrique Iglesias. I can’t get enough of his voice.

What car do you drive and what does it say about you?

I drive a BMW X6 – I love speed.

What's your all-time favourite film?

I enjoy watching suspense and mysterious movies that have a strong plot such as The Bourne Identity films. The fascination of the "how" keeps us continuously guessing; even if we suspect we have the solution, we can't stop obsessing until the puzzle is resolved.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you like to have with you?

Food, water and my phone with 4G.